U.S. and Israel to Continue Joint Anti-Missile Exercise Which Began in 2000

The United States and Israel will again conduct joint anti-missile exercises in a program carried out biannually since 2000. The exercise, called Operation Juniper, simulates a combined missile attack from Syria, Iran, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. The exercise is slated for October. Military planners in Israel believe any major attack by Iran or Syria will be accompanied by heavy shelling and rocket fire from Hizbullah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s advanced anti-missile umbrella is a combination of Israeli and American technology.